Nigeria’s first-ever female combat helicopter pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile died yesterday, July 14, 2020, in a car crash.
Arotile, 24, died from head injuries sustained in a road accident at the Nigeria Airforce (NAF) base in the northwestern state of Kaduna.
The NAF announced her death in the early hours of today on Twitter. They celebrated her time with the force saying that although it was short, it was also impactful.
They said, ‘During her short but impactful stay in the Service, late Arotile, contributed significantly to the efforts to rid the North Central States of armed bandits and other criminal elements by flying several combat missions under Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State.’
Since the announcement earlier today, many Nigerians have taken to social media to mourn the pioneer, with many saying she shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for other women.
The Presidency tweeted that President Muhammadu Buhari was deeply pained by the news of her death. They tweeted, ‘President Buhari received with deep pain the news of the passing of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, and condoles with the family on the loss of such a promising officer, whose short stay on earth impacted greatly on the nation, especially in peace and security.’
The first lady also shared that the news had made her very sad. She said, ‘It’s with a heavy heart that I received the news of the demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, the first female Nigerian Airforce Combat Helicopter Pilot. I condole with the family of Flying Officer Arotile, the Nigerian Airforce and the country over this irreparable loss. The deceased was an intelligent young woman, a huge potential, a representative of both Nigerian women and youth, and what they could achieve.’
The Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar said: ‘I was heartbroken when I received the sad news. Tolulope, who was winged in October 2019, as the first female combat helicopter pilot, was one of our shining young stars. She was a very intelligent, disciplined, confident and courageous young officer who added value wherever she served. As a squadron pilot in Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State, she flew her quota of anti-banditry combat missions to ensure a safer, more secured Nigeria.’
The Kogi-born Flying Officer hailed from Ijumu Local Government Area of the state. The governor of Kogi state, Governor Yahaya Bello also shared his condolences with the family through a press statement signed by his press secretary.
The statement read, ‘Late Flying Officer Arotile brought the country to a standstill on the 15th of October 2019 when she was decorated as the first female combat Helicopter Pilot. This was a huge honour to her family and state, the nation, and the entire women in the country and beyond’. It continued, ‘We are devastated by the tragic death of this young promising lady who took bravery to the next level, demystified prejudicial stereotype and flew her parents, state and nation high in honour and professionalism. On behalf of the state, I commiserate with the family of late Flying Officer Arotile over this irreparable loss and I pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest, She will be sorely missed’.
Other Nigerians and celebrities alike have been on social media mourning Tolulope Arotile.
Award-winning media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu said, ‘Literally just scrolled through the news of Tolulope Arotile, Fahim Saleh and Jahreau Shephard’s deaths simultaneously on my timeline. It’s too much.’
Award-winning rapper, M.I. Abaga also shared his condolences saying, ‘Rest In Peace Tolulope Arotile. Nigerians first female combat helicopter fighter pilot!!! At 23 – an angel and superhero amongst us!!!! We won’t forget you🙏🏾’
The President of Chocolate City Records, Audu Maikori also shared, ‘Please let’s observe a minute of silence for Flying Officer #TolulopeArotile. She was a true hero and her passing is a big loss to the nation!’
Nigerians have spent the whole day mourning this talented and brilliant young lady.
Tolulope Sarah Arotile was a blessing, a shining star and a perfect example for many generations of young women to come. As a platform and a nation, we will never forget her and her service.
Rest in power, queen!
